Safeguarding FAQ

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Q. What is safeguarding?

A. Safeguarding means protecting a citizen's health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. For children this means protection of those who cannot protect themselves from predatory or manipulative adults. For adults, the Care Act 2014 defines protection for those who are vulnerable and in need of care. However, we have a duty of care which goes beyond this. Some adults are easily deceived or coerced, Freegle should ensure that no harm comes to them from offering and receiving goods. So, in practice you do not work out which adult is vulnerable, and who is not, you monitor possible coercion or manipulation

Q. What precautions do Freegle Direct take regarding safeguarding?

A. All groups hosted on Freegle Direct are covered by the Disclaimer https://www.ilovefreegle.org/disclaimer which members/users implicitly agree to when signing up through Freegle Direct. The Freegle mobile app has an age rating of 12+ / Parental Guidance. This is because the user may see content generated by other users which isn't vetted before publication.

Q. What precautions should Freegle Users take?

A. Do not allow children to post offers, or allow them to hand over offers to takers. Do not post images of children if their contact details may become available to others. Treat adults with respect, do not use coercion with someone who is easily persuadable.

Q. What actions should Moderator volunteers take?

A. Ensure that users follow the above, giving advice where necessary. Notice any offers which may suggest harm, abuse or neglect and act on anything suspicious. You are not responsible for safeguarding everyone. But, if you spot it, you call out anything which appears inappropriate back to users. If still concerned, you do not conduct your own investigations, or share a possible case with other moderators because of confidentiality issues, instead refer the evidence of the incident, without opinions, to safeguarding@ilovefreegle.org as this is what local safeguarding people prefer. If in doubt, raise it. If you are unsure, or need advice, contact safeguarding@ilovefreegle.org. http://www.microsoft.com/security/family-safety/predators.aspx informs about how child predators may work.

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